Russell was born in Austin, Texas, on 1 November 1948. At age 12, Russell began learning guitar and at 13 joined a band called The Cavemen. In 1989, he met Patrick Mathe of the French record label, New Rose Records, while at a party in Austin and gave him a demo tape intended for noted Austin guitarist and producer, Charlie Sexton.
He would go on to sign with the label releasing his first solo album in 1990 entitled A Crack In Time. In promotion of the album Read more on Last.fm